ResearchA Specific Vehicle

Subaru SVX

If there is one thing the Subaru SVX series was known for was its unique body style. These cars were intended to be noticed, and they certainly were. Many consumers and industry leaders feel Subaru missed the mark with this line of performance/luxury cars.

It wasn’t uncommon for automotive companies to start out their existences as something other than carmakers. In the U.S., Europe, and parts of Asia, many automobile manufacturers started out as airplane plants, industrial businesses, or carriage companies. This is true for the Japanese carmaker Subaru. Founded in 1952, this company was first recognized for its heavy industrial contributions. It wasn’t long before Subaru decided to break into the car manufacturing game in Asia, introducing the affordable Subaru 360. While the 360 didn’t win any beauty contests, it gave the local market an affordable option where car ownership wasn’t popular.

The Subaru 360 made its appearance in the U.S. in 1968. Its timing was perfect because of its reasonable price and low fuel usage. Though many called it "ugly and cheap," no one could discount its reliability. In order to fit in better with the American addiction to muscle cars, Subaru designed and released the Brat in 1977. This car tried to appeal to the younger generation of car buyers in the U.S. who sought cars for a good time.

Since its beginnings in the U.S., Subaru has consistently offered well-made cars and vehicles and gained a good reputation with American car buyers. Among its noted names, the SVX is a prime example.

About the Subaru SVX

The XT coupe marks Subaru’s attempt at creating a sports car to compete with many of the American and European car makers. The SVX series was introduced to replace the company’s XT coupe, which was with many of the same misgivings as the later SVX. As it turns out, neither model series was a hit in the U.S.

The body style offered the most eye-catching aspect of these cars, though it is important to note that the series does get more attractive as it ages. The 1997 SXV model was more widely accepted than the first car of the series from the 1992 model year.

With all of this talk of body style, it’s easy to forget that this series does have some advantages. This was one of the few cars designed with all kinds of weather in mind. It performed well under just about any condition, and offered a speedy powertrain and a comfortable driving environment.

Subaru SVX Features

Subaru decided to offer the SVX car for the last time in 1997. This car definitely gained a great deal of attention from the automobile industry even though it didn’t perform well on the sales room floor. The 1997 version of the SVX had a more than unique body style that receives mixed reviews. Some consumers loved the interesting look, while others lamented the SVX’s less than streamline design. The body of this car combined a series of curves, angles, and unusual bulges.

The interior of the 1997 SVX was relatively well-designed and user-friendly. The base model of the car came equipped with cushy cloth seats, while the upgraded version had leather upholstery. There were some unusual features that fit in with the car’s unique exterior, however; the stereo featured a trick cover. Test drivers noted that the presence of the rear spoiler compromised rear visibility.

Under the hood, the 1997 SVX featured a 3.3-liter, six-cylinder engine with a four-speed automatic transmission. These cars also offered all-wheel drive.

Subaru SVX Evolution

Considering that Subaru only chose to offer the SVX series for a few short years, from 1992 to 1997, the past versions of this car resembled each other. While considered to be Subaru’s sport coupe, the SVX underwent criticism for its unusual body style. The designers created these cars with a wide variety of curves and angles, which make a totally unique look. It should be noted that many buyers chose the SVX simply because of its head-turning appearance. The interior of these cars provided more comfort and driver friendly features than most sports car or coupe designs.

While the appearance of the SVX didn't make it a lot of friends, the stuff under the hood certainly did. Most industry testing facilities and reviewers had few negative things or nothing to say about the car’s performance and powertrain. Like its other models, Subaru did an excellent job building a car with plenty of reliable mechanics. The suspension systems used in these cars provide a comfortable ride, almost unheard of in this class of car. Those looking to buy a used SVX should be aware that it didn’t sell well in the U.S. and is a foreign car. This means that it can be a challenge to find replacement parts.